Songbirds of Pelee Photo Walk a Christopher Dodds and Sony Canada Free Event

May 5 and 6, 2025: A free event sponsored by Sony of Canada

 

Experience Peak Spring Migration at Point Pelee with Christopher Dodds

Join a fully licensed, exclusive photo walk in Point Pelee National Park, led by renowned photographer Christopher Dodds. Capture the magic of spring migration during its statistically prime time when vibrant warblers descend in spectacular "fallouts."

  • Optimal Timing: Witness the legendary warbler migration at its absolute peak.

  • Expert Guidance: In-the-field instruction from Christopher Dodds, boasting 40+ years of experience as a highly respected photographer, photo tour leader, educator and public speaker.

  • Technical support: Sony’s Patrick Chan will join to provide in-depth technical assistance for Sony Cameras.

  • Free Sony Loaner Gear: The latest and greatest Sony professional cameras and lenses will be available for free trials.

  • Flexible Gear: You can achieve stunning results with lenses from 400mm; super-telephoto lenses are not mandatory.

  • All Skill Levels Welcome: Learn and grow at your own pace, with a supportive and inclusive atmosphere.

  • All Brands Welcome: Everyone is welcome.

  • Point Pelee Mastery: Benefit from Christopher's profound knowledge of Point Pelee National Park, honed over decades of capturing its natural beauty.

  • Win a Prize: Sony is giving away one pair of Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones ($249.99) each day. Available in person at the event only!

  • Free Sony Swag: Sony is giving away some fine swag. Available in person at the event only!

Capture Spring Migration's Majesty with Christopher Dodds at Point Pelee

Join renowned Canadian nature photographer Christopher Dodds, a Sony Ambassador and X-rite Master Coloratti, for an immersive and educational photo walk. This is North America's premier inland location for witnessing the spectacular spring migration of songbirds.

Point Pelee, a peninsula jutting into Lake Erie, is a crucial landfall for birds crossing the Great Lakes. Birders can expect to encounter over 100 species daily, including an astounding 25 warbler varieties! Experience the legendary "wave day" phenomenon – when weather conditions force massive songbird landings, creating unparalleled photographic opportunities. As photographers, we should hope for more quality time with fewer species, which equates to better images.

Why Choose This Photo Walk?

  • Expert Guidance: Benefit from Christopher Dodds' extensive knowledge of Point Pelee, unlocking access to elusive species and prime photographic locations.

  • Hands-on Learning: Receive personalized instruction from Christopher Dodds, from fundamental techniques to advanced professional tips tailored to all skill levels. Patrick from Sony will astound you with his knowledge of the intricate settings for Sony cameras.

  • Optimal Timing: Dates are strategically chosen to maximize the probability of witnessing peak migration and "wave days."

  • Diverse Subjects: Capture vibrant warblers, tanagers, orioles, and potentially rare species.

Highlights:

  • Expert instruction and guided photography sessions with Christopher Dodds and Sony support from Patrick Chan.

  • Opportunities to photograph numerous warbler species, vireos, scarlet tanagers, and more.

  • Potential for "wave day" experiences, offering exceptional photographic moments.

  • Suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to professionals.

Please Note:

  • Participants are responsible for transportation, accommodation if needed (discounted rooms available), meals, park fees, and all personal expenses.

  • Minimal physical fitness is required: you must be able to stand and wander with camera equipment for up to 3-5km per day.

  • Warm layered clothing, snacks, water and lunch are highly recommended!

Schedule:

  • 06:30 Meet at Visitor Centre Parking Lot, say hello and assign Sony loaner gear.

  • 07:00-10:30ish Morning Photo Walk.

  • Mid-day break. You are on your own and welcome to stay in the park, grab lunch, etc.

  • 14:30 Regroup and assign Sony Loaner Gear.

  • 15:00-19:00ish Afternoon Photo Walk.

Rain or Shine:

  • Given that even the most accurate forecasts are often flawed, and migratory birds are known to track weather patterns, we proceed regardless of the conditions.

A highly detailed email will be sent within a week of registration, including:

  • Layered warm and dry clothing suggestions.

  • Camera suggestions

  • A link to book a discounted hotel room in Leamington, ON.

  • A link to the exact meeting spot with the reconfirmed schedule and details.

Don't miss this extraordinary chance to capture the magic of spring migration with a world-class photographer!

Getting there: Point Pelee National Park of Canada is located near Leamington, Ontario, Canada. The nearest train and bus stations are Windsor and Chatham stations. The nearest airports are Windsor International Airport (YQG), Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). Point Pelee is 65 km from Windsor, 180 km from London and 355 km from Toronto.

Questions: Feel free to email me at chris@chrisdoddsphoto.com or call me at +1 (514) 945-6195

Sign-up Now

Photograph spring migration at its finest! Join Christopher Dodds at Point Pelee National Park for a free photo walk. Capture warblers, tanagers, and orioles at North America's premier birding spot. Learn from a top nature photographer and experience the thrill of seeing spring migration at one of the top birding locations in the world.

“My Niece and I went to Point Pelee with Chris Dodds Photo and it was a terrific experience. He is very knowledgeable with birds, their species, their calls and is quite witty. If you listen when he tells you to bring certain things on your trip and when he talks about camera usage etc you will gain so much from your time with him! He knows his clientele very well and try’s to cater to them. He has a good analogy on some things and makes you focus on the details. It was an enjoyable week!”

— Karen Galati Toronto, Canada

“I would encourage you to consider one of Chris’s workshops because they are fun and in such diverse locations. I have never failed to come home with better images than I had imagined prior to the experience. I have found the other participants to be interesting and nice people, and because the workshops are so excellent, there are a lot of repeat customers who have been in previous workshops. Each workshop is a highlight of my year.
Chris is a positive person who makes the experience as enjoyable as possible even with early morning and late afternoon hours to take advantage of the best light of the day. Thanks, Chris for helping me become a better photographer.”

— Dennis Stone Columbus, IN